Distributed generation and energy storage resources are
envisioned as becoming valuable new elements of the future networked
distribution system. Such distributed resources will complement the central and
bulk power supply systems to effect net asset optimization. Distributed resource
systems offer the potential for lower cost to the end-use customer, higher
reliability and power quality, and high efficiency, especially in cogeneration
configurations. At least 20GW of distributed resources are forecast for
installation in the U.S. during the coming decade alone. However, the full
potential of distributed power awaits further development in key areas of system
architecture, notably storage and control. Storage capabilities are pivotal
architectural elements largely missing from today’s power distribution system;
their development would reduce price volatility, help protect against power
quality problems, and help support integration of intermittent renewable
resources on the grid. In addition to developing improved hardware, we foresee
the growing importance of improved tools for understanding the interactions of
distributed resources with the existing grid and development of control systems
for large grids with a mixture of distributed and central generation.
